“Even in the hardest times, there’s something to cherish at the end,” says Kokoroko’s Onome Edgeworth, contemplating the band’s new album ‘Tuff Times Never Last’. This phrase serves as both a mantra and a mission statement for the London-based collective, whose music has consistently been expansive and deeply intertwined with connection.
For those who may not know, Kokoroko is more than just one of London's most thrilling musical exports. They represent a movement grounded in collaboration, tradition, and creativity. Following the success of their breakout track ‘Abusey Junction,’ the seven-member ensemble has continued to grow, delivering performances that are as emotionally engaging as they are sonically rich. With 'Tuff Times Never Last', Kokoroko offers a tribute to resilience set against a backdrop of warm Afrobeat rhythms, gospel harmonies, and funk-infused delight.
During a morning Zoom call in July with bandleaders Sheila Maurice-Grey and Onome Edgeworth, laughter flowed alongside moments of reflection. The conversation took place months before the release, but now it coincides perfectly with Kokoroko's upcoming biggest headline show at the iconic O2 Academy Brixton, a milestone that feels like an ideal platform for this new chapter.
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How are you both doing?
Onome Edgeworth: Very well, thank you!
Congratulations on the release of your album! It’s fantastic. I can’t stop listening to it.
Sheila Maurice-Grey: Please stop listening! (laughs)
I can't guarantee that, but truly it’s remarkable. The album's title is ‘Tuff Times Never Last’. What inspired it?
Onome Edgeworth: The music itself inspired it. We drew from challenging experiences, reflecting on themes like love, relationships, and family. Ultimately, no matter how tumultuous life becomes, there’s always a glimmer of hope on the other side. The title originated from that perspective. Initially, we played with it a bit, partly due to the meme, but it resonated because it’s factual. Even creating the album was challenging, illustrating that even in the hardest moments, something valuable can emerge.
The album radiates warmth through its fusion of funk, gospel, and Afrobeat. What emotions did you wish to evoke in listeners?
Sheila Maurice-Grey: I think the words you used—warmth and light—are exactly what we aimed for. We wanted to create music that makes people feel good and connected. It should be both introspective and something you can simply enjoy. I prefer listening to music that doesn’t weigh me down or demand too much focus—something to play in the background. That’s when you know the music is effectively doing its job, providing a space for connection without being overwhelming.
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One track that stands out for me is ‘My Father In Heaven’. It's so harmonically rich and feels very gospel-inspired. What was the inspiration behind it?
Onome Edgeworth: That song emerged late in the process. It underwent many transformations. It began with a version that had drums—more upbeat—but we decided to simplify it. There’s an introspective energy in our lives reflecting on loved ones and mortality as we age. As we and our families grow older, those feelings become more pronounced. The song's vulnerability was slightly uncomfortable for us, but it was necessary. We needed to challenge ourselves to sing in that authentic manner.
You have tracks like ‘Sweetie,’ which brings a more upbeat vibe. How did you balance the various moods throughout the album?
Sheila Maurice-Grey: That’s a great question. We began as a performance band, focusing on live shows prior to writing music. This experience informed our approach to shaping the album, as if it were a performance. It's essential to include high moments, drops, and builds to tell a compelling story. We contemplate the narrative we want to convey and the structure of the album. It’s also about connecting with the audience and offering them something they can feel, whether joy or contemplation.
Onome Edgeworth: Being able to create music for others is a wonderful gift. While we aim to provide a lot, ultimately, we want to bring light and happiness into people’s lives. Sometimes upbeat tracks, like ‘Sweetie’, achieve that beautifully.
The album artwork is stunning and created by Luci Pina, evoking a nostalgic feel. How do you feel it relates to the music?
Onome Edgeworth: We shared the album with her along with references from films, clothing, and the essence of London summers, and she truly understood it. Her work has this enchanting mix of freedom and chaos that reflects what we wanted to express through the music. It turned out to be a more accurate representation of the album than we anticipated, highlighting her understanding. It captures the warmth and energy perfectly.
It certainly does feel like a great fit. Do you have any personal favorites from the album?
Sheila Maurice-Grey: It changes frequently. Honestly
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"Even during the most challenging times, there's always something valuable to cherish in the end," shares Onome Edgeworth of Kokoroko, as he reflects on the band's latest album, 'Tuff Times.'